The Suffolk News-Herald Cheer Fund received a big boost Thursday, but still falls quite short of its goal of $37,151. However, we are very grateful to those who are giving of themselves to support it.

The following organizations are highlighted today because they chose to have pictures published with their donations.

First Federal Savings Bank employees, The Suffolk Chapter of Les Gemmes Inc. and The American Drag Club of Suffolk didn’t want Christmas to go by without doing their part.

Debi Brooks, assistant manager of First Federal, presented a check on behalf of employees in memory of Ann E Barber for $150; and Anna Bryant, president of the American Drag Club, and Anita Warren, treasurer of the Suffolk Les Gemmes on behalf of their members, presented checks for $100 each.

The Suffolk Chapter Les Gemmes Inc., was founded in 1955 and was incorporated in April 1968. In April 1972, the organization held its first conclave in Norfolk and now they are held bi-annually on a chapter rotation basis. As of now there are 15 chapters located in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Tennessee, Georgia, Indiana and Washington, D.C. There are 11members in the Suffolk Chapter of which Audrey Knight is president. The club contributes to many community projects and awards a scholarship annually.

The American Drag Club of Suffolk was founded three years ago and is looking to increase its membership. It was formed to fellowship and to encourage people to drag race at the strip rather than on the street. This year it will be starting a training class teaching to drag race. There are 25 members in the organization that include both men and women. The organization meets the first Tuesday each month at Starr Motors. People who are interested in joining please call Anna Bryant, president, at 934-2962.

Toys have been distributed but the bill still has to be paid. You or members of your organization may also have a picture published making a donation just as these people did.

Please make you tax deductible donation to the Suffolk Cheer Fund c/o Suffolk News-Herald, 130 South Saratoga St., Suffolk, Va. 23434. You may also bring your contribution to the same address between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

A contribution for $250 that was published on Friday, Dec. 13 from Edward and Anntoinette Taylor should have been recorded to the Ellisses in memory of Clarence and Rebecca Ellis.

Balance Brought Forward: $14,567.66

Donations on Friday, Dec. 20:

In memory of Ann E. Barber from First Federal Savings Bank employees: $150

American Drag Club of Suffolk: $100

Suffolk Chapter Les Gemmes Inc: $100

West Side Civic League: $25

In memory of my mother, Mrs. Cecil White , sisters, Mrs. Irene Patillo and Mrs. Lula Futrell from George Cargill: $25

Wayne, Joyce and Ashley Carroll: $50

In memory of Jim Panton given by Bobby Draper, Jim McCreary and Emery Nichols: $75

Durrell and Geraldine Mills: $50

In honor of Ann, Rebecca and Kevin Glover: $500

Delores Boyette: $10

In memory of Betty Jean Jones from Mary B. Watson: $25

Suffolk Pinochle Bugs: $25

Cliff and Mary White: $25

Bennett’s Creek Ruritan Club: $150

Bob and Lelia Tompert: $25

In loving memory of David Bonner and Margaret Barlow from Joe and Lynn Barlow: $50

Golden Peanut Company: $100

Reliance Staffing Services: $100

Total on Friday, Dec. 20: $1,585

Total to Date: $16,152.66